Monday Book Review: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

I first heard of the book Ender’s Game when I was teaching high school, and the teacher in the classroom next to mine was using it as part of her curriculum in sophomore English. I figured it must be a very classic, literary type of book. Ha! I had no idea it was science fiction or that it had such a large fan base. Here we are many years later, and the movie version is finally coming out this Friday, November 1.

Title: Ender’s Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Genre: science fiction

Age group: YA

Synopsis: In a futuristic society that only allows two children per couple, Andrew “Ender” Wiggins is a “third.” However, Ender is also a child genius and is the only one of his siblings drafted into the Battle School, where he will train to defend the world from an ongoing war against the “buggers,” insect-like aliens who have repeatedly attacked the human race. Ender’s training includes many simulation games against other teams of trainees. As Ender increases in skill and success, he worries that he’s becoming more like his older brother who is a brilliant yet cruel boy.

I read Ender’s Game several years ago, so I really only remember two things about my initial reaction: first, this is a great book for those who like science fiction (The world-building is excellent); second, the simulated battles were somewhat interesting to me but I’m sure someone who’s into military tactics would be much more interested than I was.

The best part of this book is the shocking ending, which I will not give away. I’m interested in seeing how the public reacts to the movie version. I know many sci-fi kids who’ve enjoyed the book, so I bet they’re looking forward to the movie.